Changes to your super in 2026-27

The start of the 2026-27 financial year brings a few changes to super. Here’s what’s changing from 1 July and what it could mean for you.

Your super gets paid with your wages

From 1 July 2026, your employer must pay your super at the same time as your wages, replacing the current requirement to pay it every three months. Your super needs to reach your account within seven business days of each payday.

That means your super should land sooner, so it can start earning investment returns earlier. A missed or short payment is also easier to spot. You can keep an eye on it by logging into your firstonline account or the app and checking your contributions against your payslips.

You can contribute a little more

If you add to your super on top of what your employer pays, the annual limits rise from 1 July 2026:

• The before-tax (concessional) cap rises from $30,000 to $32,500. This covers your employer’s compulsory super, any salary sacrifice and personal contributions you claim as a tax deduction.
• The after-tax (non-concessional) cap rises from $120,000 to $130,000.
• If you’re eligible to use the bring-forward rule, you’ll be able to contribute up to $390,000 over three years, up from $360,000.

You can add to your super through salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions, and even small top-ups compound over the years.

Our contributions calculator can show you how much difference they’d make.

More of your super can move into a tax-free retirement income

If you’re moving from building your super into drawing an income from it, there’s a limit on how much you can transfer into a tax-free retirement income account, known as the transfer balance cap. From 1 July 2026, it rises from $2 million to $2.1 million.

More people qualify for the government co-contribution

You may receive the full $500 if you earn $49,293 or less and put in at least $1,000, with a smaller amount from the government as your income rises towards $64,293. You don’t need to apply.

If you’re a low- or middle-income earner and make an after-tax contribution to your super, the government may add 50 cents for every dollar you put in, up to $500 a year. The income limits are rising for 2026-27.

If you’re eligible, the ATO works it out after you lodge your tax return and pays it into your account.

Super is now paid on government Parental Leave Pay

If you take time off to care for a new baby and receive the government’s Parental Leave Pay, the government will add super on top of it, at the same 12% rate as your employer’s super.

This applies to children born or adopted from 1 July 2025. You don’t need to apply. The ATO will work it and pay it into your account, with the first payments arriving from July 2026.

Need help?

Contact Member Services on 1300 360 988 or by email at mail@firstsuper.com.au if you have any questions.